From the President

Once again, I am proud to engage in an important community-campus tradition by supporting United Way of Tompkins County.

Most of us are connected with United Way agencies in some way, whether through accessing their resources for ourselves or a family member, or by volunteering at a United Way-funded organization.

An illustration of the depth and diversity of these agencies, and what your support can enable can be found here.

Cornell faculty, staff, and students provide nearly 40 percent of the countywide United Way campaign each year, though many Cornellians do not participate, perhaps feeling that someone else will step up.

The reality is that United Way needs everyone’s help, now more than ever. Even $1 per paycheck can provide five days of “meals on wheels” for one person, two round-trips to bring a rural mom and her baby to a pediatrician, or an hour of home health aide services.

Finally, please consider:

All gifts to partner agencies, special initiatives, and other United Ways go directly to benefit programs and services because Corporate Cornerstone Partners and earned income cover 100% of United Way’s operating expenses.

If you have a favorite local organization, you can designate your contribution to support it, or note any organization you do not want your contribution to support.

If you do not live in Tompkins County and want to help an agency in your home community, you can make such a contribution through Cornell’s United Way campaign as well.

You can make a tax-deductible donation online, specify an amount to give through payroll deduction, or write a check.